One of the most popular words that is increasingly becoming trendy and fashionable and in vogue, especially in the context of the Indian Society…is the word….. CHANGE!

Race for the Change…Be the Change… I am the Change…Change begins with oneself…

>> These are some of the widespread slogans that are all over the place…

The Webster’s Dictionary defines “Change… as making something radically different or make a shift from one to another.”

Change involves becoming different…

>> Change involves a transformation!

>> Change involves making an alteration!

The Gospel of the Day too presents Jesus with this Crucial and Central theme: CHANGE!

The Lord is a constant challenge to His followers to adopt a changed lifestyle…

… a lifestyle which is more Divine, a way of life which is more human and a living which is more joyful.

But He is also very much aware of the basic human tendency…

… to neglect and avoid and overlook any change!

That is why He very clearly at the end of today’s Gospel says, “No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘the old is good'” (Lk 5:39)

With age, wine increases its strength and flavour and the old is therefore preferable.

Take somebody who been drinking the same kind of wine for years and years and years and someone comes along and says, “Ah, I’ve got a brand new variety here for you.”

“Nah, no, I’ll stick with my old favourite.

>> It’s done me grand favours all through these years… I don’t want to…”

“Well the new one promises to be great…it’s got new aroma, a new flavour…a special zest”

“No, no, I’m happy with my old.”

We may either nod with this response…or look down with suspicion…or even just be least bothered…

But one thing is for sure…

>> Many of us, certainly do tend to answer in the same way, as this old-wine devotee was…

It’s really true, isn’t it?

We tend to mellow ourselves down to a comfortable and cozy way of life…

>> We cultivate a taste and a liking for our undisturbed mode of timetable and schedules…

Like the old wine, many of our former ways and thoughts and style of living have become mellowed and settled by years of experience and have become so much a part of the fabric of our lives!

>> Don’t give me the new wine of change…

… I am happy with my old wine of comforts and calm

>> Don’t give me the new wine of spirituality…

… I am happy with my old wine of worldly existence

>> Don’t give me the new wine of holy things…

… I am happy with my old wine of living life in the way it pleases me

>> Don’t give me the new wine of the Church teachings…

… I am happy with my experimental philosophy and thoughts

But the Lord, the Best Wine Giver (Jn 2:10), is intent and keen and even is insistent that we abandon Our Old Wines and drink of Him, the New Wine!

You want the new wine of joy and happiness in your soul and consolation of mind and heart?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of Sin and impure life!

You want the new wine of Justice and Equality and Honesty and Truthfulness in society?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old Wine of corruption and discrimination and cheating!

You want the new wine of True Companionship and Faithful relationships and Genuine friendships?

>> Then, you will have to abandon the Old wine of company with Satan and give up envy and resentment and hatred!

Are we ready to abandon the Old Wine?

>> The best wine is being offered…

(P.S. – For all who are eager to be drunk more of this Best Wine… kindly prepare yourselves well and run to the nearest Church or Chapel… and participate in the Holy Mass…

.. especially on this First Friday of the Month!

>> The Master has prepared the best and most satisfying and sumptuous meal: His Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist!)

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Would you like to come along with me, for a short walk along the sea?

>> We could share some of our experiences of life…

… that would probably help us to live better!”

These are the words of Simon Peter, the Apostle of Jesus.

Saying a “Yes” to this invitation…

… let us now stroll along with Simon Peter, as he recounts, in first person, his experiences…

“Ah, so there you, my friend!

I am so happy that you have accepted my invitation.

Uh… by the way, be careful, as we walk along the sea…

…. ‘cos there might be some rough stones and thorny bushes.

>> Just mind your steps, as we walk along.

So, where shall I begin with?

Hmm.. I guess I shall begin with my beginning itself…

… my beginnings with the Lord!

Let me start by saying that nothing much about my life before I encountered the Lord, is known to others.

But that itself, I feel, is a point of great reflection…

>> That unless we come to the Lord, our life is mere existence…

… nothing noteworthy, nothing special, nothing significant!

>> Only when we are in the Lord…

… do we have a meaning and purpose in life!

>> Only when we are in the Lord…

… can we say that our lives have a destination and a goal!

How I wish that many more discover Jesus as the purpose and objective of one’s life!

>> How I pray that followers of Christ may have more zeal to bring many to the love of Christ!

So continuing with my story – of my beginnings in the Lord – …

>> How very fresh is the memory of that golden day in my life!

… The day the Lord came to me and called me to be His “fisher of men” (as we would read in the Gospel of my friend St Luke 5: 10)

My friend St Luke, told you in 4:38-39, that my mother-in-law was healed of a severe fever.

This incident had brought great joy and hope to our family.

Somehow, ( I probably guess so.. though am not fully sure!), that miracle had also sparked a sense of interest and liking in me, towards that Great Rabbi, Jesus!

>> He was already moving across streets in villages and towns bringing much healing and hope

>> He was also revealing God as a Father… as One Who was much more closer and lovable and friendlier, than many of us traditional Jews had thought!

But the experience of that glorious day still lingers in my mind…

… so fresh… so gracious!

My Master had his large crowd of fans gathered around him.

It was such a privilege that my boat was used by the Master to stand and preach to the crowds!

>> Yeah, my simple boat became His Great Instrument of Evangelization!

… You can call it as the story of “Pauper Peter’s Plank transformed into the Precious Preacher’s Pulpit!”

After the great round of boldly proclaiming the Word of God…

… it was time for the Word to touch me!

The Master, with His powerful words reached out to me, “Put out into the deeper water and lower your nets for a catch!”

But of course, all of you do know that I am a very instinctual and impulsive man!

The “expertise” in me protested and said, “We have worked the whole night and caught nothing!”

But this is where the Master “caught me”

>> That was the bait, by which I, the little fish, would be hooked by the Great Fisherman of Galilee!

I thought I knew everything about the seas… about fishing…!

But the Lord, the Creator of all…

… sliced through my inner being and exposed my weakness!

The miraculous catch of fish that followed was a lesson in humility and obedience!

>> I thought I knew everything… only to realize, that “human knowledge is foolishness before God’s Wisdom”

>> I felt I was an expert in my area of activity… only to realize that “human minds have to always bend before the One Who has shaped and created this entire universe!”

And so I cried out…”Depart from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!”

That was the beginning…

… of the end of my pride

… of the end of wanting “my way”

For it was also the beginning…

… of a new way of life for me!

Yes, God’s Mercy had touched me!

… and His Mercy had sparked me in a new vocation – the vocation to be “fishers of men!”

>> His Mercy would continue to accompany me, all through my life…

…. in times when I would act impulsively as the leader of the group

… in times when I would go on to betray my Master

… in times, when I would once again be called to follow the Lord after His Resurrection

… in times, when I would be instilled with hope to continue as His Vicar on the earth!

And so I strongly believe in this statement: “Mercy is the source and the strength of every vocation!”

>> Be it any vocation: Family life…. Consecrated Life…. Priestly Life… Celibate life…

Have you discovered the meaning and depth of this statement?

>> Check into your lives and see…

… so many are the acts of mercy of God in your life

… so many are the ways in which the Mercy of God has led you through

Perhaps, many times, you are not aware… many times, you have taken it for granted!

>> But look deeper… and surely you will find: Your life is a living witness of God’s Mercy!

And so, become aware that “Mercy is the source and the strength of every vocation!”

Hmmm…Are you still with me?

I guess, I do talk a lot, right?

Well, as you see, I do have tears in my eyes now… (tears of joy, of course!)

… and this would be the joy you too experience, when your life is touched by the Mercy of God

>> And you give yourself, entirely to Jesus, the Great Fisherman of Galilee…and my Hero!

Are you willing to leave everything and follow Him…

… just as I did?”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Altruism is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others.

>> Altruism is selflessness – the opposite of selfishness.

It consists of sacrificing something for someone with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct or indirect.

The Gospel of the Day presents the Altruistic Ideal – Jesus – engaged in number of works…

… of healing

… of rebuking the evil spirits

… of bringing consolation and joy to the people.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus announced His Mission Programme of “…bringing good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed…”

In accordance with this manifesto, Jesus sets forward to announce the Kingdom of God through His mighty deeds and works.

The Lord unveils the Compassionate Face of the Father and reveals His Benevolent Heart to the needy and the deprived.

He cures Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever and restores her to good health and wellbeing…(Lk 4:39)

>> Am I today in need of a touch of the Lord…

… which casts away forces that makes weak and fragile?

… which takes away the fever of tiredness and fatigue of spiritual life?

… which restores me back in serving and assisting others in my life?

At sunset, He laid His hands on many with sicknesses and diseases and cured them all… (Lk 4:40)

>> In the sunset of darkness and pain in my life…

…. Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Hope and Healing?

>> In the sunset of emptiness in my spiritual life…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Faith and Revival?

>> In the sunset of frustrations and despair…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Encouragement and Support?

>> In the sunset of sadness and lukewarmness…

… Do I go to the Lord to receive the Light of Joy and Revitalization?

He also rebuked many demons and commanded them to let go of many possessed people… (Lk 4: 41)

>> Am I tormented by the demons of evil forces and satanic powers….. ?

… The power of the Lord is here to deliver!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of bad, unhealthy addictions…?

… The power of the Lord is here to overcome!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of filthy words and dirty thoughts…?

… The power of the Lord is here to liberate!

>> Am I tormented by the demons of peer pressure and societal strains…?

… The power of the Lord is here to set free!

The Lord at the end of today’s Gospel passage expresses His intentions of going to other towns to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God!

The zeal and enthusiasm of the Lord to reach out the Gospel to many others is really amazing….

Do I imitate the Lord…

…. in being zealous to reach out God’s goodness and kindness to many other people?

… in being fervent to let ignorant people to know the saving message of the Gospel?

The Gospel of the Day invites us to take note of the Altruistic Spirit of Jesus…

The Altruism of Jesus challenges us…

…. to reach out to many sick and suffering and troubled and weak-hearted and afflicted people with the Love and Compassion and Healing and Mercy of the Lord!

… to go beyond our zones of comfort and help the lonely and the depressed and the unwanted and the rejected and the discriminated with the Acceptance and Restoration of the Lord!

Jesus was possessed by a deep love of His Father…

>> It made Him to be Altruistic in reaching out to others.

Jesus was filled with a deep fervour for the Kingdom…

>> It made Him to be Altruistic in saving and healing others.

Today, You and I, are invited and challenged to imitate and follow Jesus, the Ideal Altruist!

Let us show forth that we are Children of our Heavenly Father and soldiers of the Kingdom of God, not only through our words…

… but much more by our Altruistic words and deeds and actions.

September 5th is Teacher’s Day in India.

Teachers – through their altruistic life – mould and shape a child to make him/her a beautiful person with a noble character!

>> Teachers inspire change.

>> Teachers motivate transformation.

>> Teachers stir up conversion!

Today the Greatest of all Teachers – Jesus: the Perfect Model of True Altruism – challenges and exhorts each one of us to adopt and adapt…

… a Transformed way of Living

… a Changed Lifestyle

… a Converted Life!

>> And allow Him to reign over every situation of our life!

Today is also the Feast day of Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata, a fervent example of altruism

Let us seek her intercession…

… and be inspired by her love and life, that we may truly see – and like her – bring the Powerful Presence of God in every situation of our society.

Let us grow in selfless deeds and noble tasks and self-sacrificing actions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose into prominence during the French Revolution.

>> In a short span of time, he had gained prominent control of the Continental Europe.

Once, while discussing and planning his strategies, with his staff officers, he spread a large map of the world on the table before him.

Then he put his finger on a kingdom which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole world!”

That red spot was the British Isles.

(The British Isles were identified with the colour ‘red’ derived from its prominence in their flag.

> They were the only force, which Napolean felt, was preventing his plans to capture the entire world)

Probably, in the similar manner, Satan, while discussing and planning his strategies, would spread the large map of the universe.

Then, he would put his finger on a place which was coloured red and told them, “If it were not for this red spot, I could conquer the whole universe!”

That red spot is the Blood of our Blessed Saviour, shed on the Cross at Calvary!

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

The Gospel of the Day presents this expression and dread of the evil one, who is unable to bear the presence of the Divine Saviour.

The Gospel Passage is the incident of the curing of the demoniac (Lk 4: 31-37).

The preceding passage (Lk 4: 1-30) described the dramatic inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus in His home-town, Nazareth.

… Initially, there was a lot of amazement, wonder and awe that was expressed by the people

… But when the Lord, began to explicate His Mission, especially of being a Saviour of all the nations, there was a change in attitude of the people

… The shift from a “goody-goody” expectation of the Messiah to a “challenging” presence, caused them discomfort, and they began to express their anger and infuriation, by seeking to even kill the Lord

But the Spirit-filled Jesus had no stopping…

>> Nothing could stop Him from continuing His Mission and the Duty entrusted to Him

And so, the Gospel says, “He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And He was teaching on the Sabbath” (Lk 4: 31)

As the quote goes, “This is the kind of stuff, champions are made of!”

He was…

… determined in His dedication

… committed to His cause

… purposeful in His programme

Can we also imitate our Blessed Lord in this unswerving fidelity…

>> Oppositions may rock our life…

>> Crises may strangle our hopes…

But can I still continue to hold on to being Faithful to the Gospel and to the ways of the Lord?

This requires the tremendous infilling and a constant seeking and doing of God’s Will in our lives.

It was this purposiveness that enabled Jesus to be a person of authority and evoke astonishment and amazement from His hearers: “They were astonished at His teaching, for His Word was with authority” (Lk 31b-32)

Therefore, when the man who was possessed by the evil spirit, encountered Jesus, “he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” (Lk 4: 34)

Yes, Satan trembles at the glorious presence of our Blessed Lord.

>> Evil cannot stand Holiness!

>> Wickedness cannot tolerate Goodness!

As followers of our Blessed Lord, we too are called upon to become “people of authority and holiness”

> Can I seek to grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord…

… so that my Spirit-filled presence will cause the demons of “filthiness, lust, corruption and injustice” to tremble and be cast away?

> Can I make efforts to co-operate still more with the Grace of the Lord…

… so that my life-in-Jesus, will cause the demons of “wickedness, indifference, hatred and pride” to shiver and be chased away?

There is a beautiful hymn, known to many of us, “Are you washed, in the blood of the Lamb?”

>> When we are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, we have the power to stand before the forces of evil

>> When we are purified by the cleansing might of the blood of Christ, we have the grace to challenge the pressures of Satan

May our lives, washed in the Blood of our Blessed Lord, be a “red spot” which would distort every wicked plan of Satan to conquer this world…

… and may we shine forth, in brightness and holiness, radiating the Authoritative Presence of Christ to all!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

The Dynamite was one of the most powerful invention known to humans at that time.

>> It was invented by Alfred Nobel.

When Nobel had invented it, he asked his friend – a Greek scholar- for a word in Greek, for ‘explosive power’.

>> The Greek word that was given was ‘dunamis’ – an explosive power!

By itself, a dynamite is fairly stable.

But once combined with an ‘igniter’ it becomes extremely powerful.

(An igniter is something like a firecracker placed inside a stick of TNT to set it off)

It is interesting that the “Power” of the Holy Spirit also has the same Greek word, “dunamis”!

As Christians, at our Baptism and in the further Sacraments, we have received this “dunamis” – Power!

>> We all have the potential within us to be a “Dynamite” – of God’s Love, Mercy and Power!

But the question is…

>> Do I give witness to this mighty power of the Holy Spirit- ‘dunamis’ – in my life…?

… Or have I been rendered powerless and ineffective, lacking the force of an ‘igniter’?

The Gospel of the Day is a powerful display of the Power of the Holy Spirit, by Jesus, as He inaugurates His public ministry at Nazareth.

The public ministry of our Blessed Lord begins with the reading and proclamation of the prophetic words:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” (Lk 4:18)

The Jewish world had been eagerly waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah.

But Divine Irony had it that when the Messiah did arrive, it was not with a mighty bang, but with a sweet gentleness and calm!

>> He came from a place, that was perhaps, least expected – Nazareth

>> He announced His coming to the public not with any grand show or spectacle – but by just declaring the Word of God with authority

But this humble beginning, that Divine Wisdom planned it so beautifully, would slowly unleash its mighty power – its “dunamis”!

>> The mighty words and proclamation by Jesus caused an immediate stir and buzz among the people who listened to Him.

The Gospel would testify to this fact, in the words: “And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Lk 4:22)

However, as the Spirit of God continued to display its mighty power, in the Person of Jesus, there also arose the spirit of division and opposition.

The “all-hailing” and “all -praising” crowd, on realizing the demands placed by the Word of God…

… got converted to “being enraged” and “being infuriated”!

So much was the antagonism that had brewed up that “all in the synagogue were filled with wrath, and they rose to put Him out of the city…” (Lk 4: 28-29)

This then is the “mighty dynamite of God’s Mighty Spirit”:

>> A Power that arrests the attention of all and causes amazement and wonder…

… yet, a Power that also mightily challenges and confronts!

Each of us, as Christians, possessing the Mighty Power of the Holy Spirit are called to a “Spiritual Dynamite”…

… One which arrests the attention of the people by our witnessing and faithful life

… One which causes people to make an introspection into their lives to turn towards God, even if it results in persecutions

Our Blessed Lord, with the mighty power of the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, became a life-transforming and a society-challenging Dynamite!

>> The unflinching focus and the faithful commitment was His Igniter

>> The deep desire to fulfil His Father’s Will was His Igniter

>> The intense love for His people was His Igniter.

Am I, as a Christian, somehow failing to be a powerful witness and give a mighty testimony to the Gospel?

Can I reinforce the ‘igniters’ of…

> being focused and faithfully committed

> having a deep desire to seek and do God’s Will

> cultivating an intense love and compassion for His people

… so that my life can be a “powerful dynamite” of God’s Compassionate Love and Mercy?

We today seek the intercession of St Gregory the Great on his feast-day

>> He is known as the “Father of Christian Worship” because of his exceptional efforts in reviving the Church Liturgy (Divine Worship).

May his words inspire us:

“The only true riches are those that make us rich in virtue.

>> Therefore, if you want to be rich… love true riches.

>> If you aspire to the heights of real honor, strive to reach the kingdom of Heaven!”

May this Saint’s deep love for Christ and His Church inspire us to make our Christian lives, a “dynamite” of Christ’s love and mercy!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Here is a simple anecdote known to many of us (perhaps in different versions)…

There was soap manufacturer, who professed atheism.

>> He however had a wonderful friend who was a devout God-believing person – going around different places, preaching the Gospel.

Once, during an evening walk, the soap manufacturer said, “Look around at the evil and wickedness that is prevalent in our world today.

People killing each other, mercilessly.

>> Women and children subjected to horrific abuses.

>> Peace and harmony fearing to walk openly, afraid that they would be mangled and devoured by the forces of injustice!

The Gospel that you preach has just not done much good.

>> Wickedness is so much in the air and seems to be ever increasing!”

The God-fearing friend made no reply to these hard-hitting, yet factual comments until they passed by a little child, who was playing in the mud.

>> The child had dirtied himself badly.

Discovering his chance, the devout friend said, ” Look around at the dirt and the uncleanness that is prevalent everywhere.

The soap that you manufacture has just not done much good.

>> Dirt and uncleanliness is so much around and seems to be ever increasing!”

“Oh, but that’s not fair to say!” said the soap manufacturer, “soap is useful only when it is applied!”

“Exactly”, said the preacher-friend, “so it is with the Gospel that I preach!

It is effective, only when put to use!”

Has the Gospel of the Lord become effective and meaningful in our lives …?

… or is it remaining unused, and causing us to remain dirtied in sin and unclean in lifestyle?

The Gospel of the Day is a wake-up call to discover the Power of God’s Word to cleanse our lives and to abandon our mentality of ‘just being content’ in having the Gospel as a mere “decorative and ornamental” value in our lives.

The Gospel passage begins on a “complaint note” with the Pharisees and some Scribes, finding fault with the Disciples of Jesus, who ate with hands defiled. (Mk 7:2)

Firstly, isn’t it pretty ironical, that the Pharisees and Scribes, who were judicious in their keeping of the Law, failed to recognize Jesus, the Author of the Law Himself?!

Jesus was growing in popularity as the Mighty Healer, the Great Preacher and a Powerful Transformative Force.

But the Pharisees and the Scribes, somehow, failed to discover these Divine elements in Him.

>> Every time they saw Jesus, they would look for something to find fault in Him

>> Every time they heard Jesus, they would sneak a chance to find a loophole in His teachings

>> Every time, they encountered Jesus, they would fastidiously seek to put Him to the test and grill Him

This “Pharisaic and Scribal” tendency is not to be directly condemned or rashly judged…

… They were a group, trying to make sure that Jesus was not any of those false prophets (who were plenty in those days) and wanted to corrupt their pure religion

… They were also wanting to test and prove the authenticity of “the one who came from Nazareth” and His claims to be the Messiah

However, beyond these “innocent intentions” of the Pharisees and Scribes, it is to be also noted, that this “law-protecting” and “law-fanatic” group of Scribes and Pharisees had also slipped into grave dangerous zones…

>> They were critical..

… but they also drenched themselves in total skepticism and gave no room for any openness to the truth or to God’s Spirit talking to them!

>> They were strict followers of the Law…

… but they had also failed to authenticate their zealous following, with a life of mercy, justice and love, which was the aim and goal of the Law!

>> They declared themselves as being faithful to God’s Law …

… but they had also precipitated this Divine Law into hundreds of man-made stipulations and cruelly insisted on its following, without being aware that God’s basic purposes for the Law were being abandoned and trampled upon!

And so our Blessed Lord, makes a scathing attack and strongly exhorts them to move from a mere “decorative and ornamental” understanding of the Law…

… towards a radically “transformative and life-changing” practice of the Law.

>> They insisted only on the strict ritualistic washing of vessels and cups and pots..

.,.. But Jesus exhorts them to first cleanse the sinful vessels of their mind and the adulterous pots of their hearts

>> They insisted only on the austere cleansing of their hands..

… But Jesus exhorts them to first wash the defiled fingers of their duplicity and the dirtied palms of their pride

The attack on the Pharisaic and Scribal attack is also a lesson and reminder for us to examine our attitudes in life and to make the necessary changes…

Have I adopted a “decorative and ornamental” understanding of being a Christian, and just be happy to be “called as a Christian”, enjoying some of the privileges and comforts that come along with it…

… or do I allow God’s Gospel to powerfully effect changes in me?

Am I just satisfied with “external cleanliness” – either in just being neat and tidy or in looking glamorous and fashionable or in being constantly bothered only with my external looks…

… or do I take steps to cleanse my heart of all sinful tendencies and to allow the rivers of God’s grace to wash away my inner defilements?

Sin is a deep reality of our lives…

… whether we like it or not… we accept it or not.

Do I be satisfied with just remaining a Christian and “appearing” to be a Follower of Christ, with some basic Church obligations fulfilled…

… or do I truly open my heart to allow God’s spirit to “heal me from within” of all my evil tendencies and social negligences?

May our Blessed Lord give us the blessing to “put His Gospel into true effect”, so that our lives may shine brightly, not just externally, but more importantly, from His grace that flows from within.

God Bless! Live Jesus!

Jesus was a classic story-teller. He loved telling stories and parables.

The parables of Jesus are quite simple and often with humble imagery.

>> Probably one of the most touching and best parable of Jesus?

… The Parable of the Prodigal Son!

>> Probably one of the most challenging parable of Jesus for our society?

…The Parable of the Good Samaritan!

>> Probably one of the most hopeful parable of Jesus for the lost ones?

…The Parable of the Good Shepherd!

>> Probably one of the most comforting parable of Jesus for the helpless ones?

…The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus!

>> Probably one of the most merciful and generous parable of Jesus?

… The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard!

And, Probably one of the most practical and feasible parable of Jesus?

…The Parable of the Talents!

Of course, we may have our own opinions and differences and overlappings with respect to this list.

But many of us will surely agree that the Parable of the Talents is a very practical and ‘do-able” parable of Jesus and invites us to shake off our slumber and laziness and awake to a life of responsibility and accountability!

The Gospel of the Day, Mt 25:14-30 presents before us this simple-to-understand and practical-to-follow Parable of the Lord…

… the Parable of the Talents!

Readers are drawn to this Parable because it is simple, clear and easy to understand. And its lessons are hard to miss!!

This parable tells what to do while we live in this world and the need to be responsible and dutiful.

>> The Parable introduces the fact that the servants were judged by the way, they managed the master’s resources.

We learn a very crucial truth from this: “All that we have belongs to God!”

All. Everything. Completely. Totally. Fully………. Belongs to GOD!

We own nothing.

>> We possess no one.

>> We hold no space…

… All belongs to GOD!

He made them…

>> He gave them to us…

>> And one day… He will take them from us again.

Even our life itself is a gift from God.

If only our world and our generation were to grow more and more in this truth…!

How often…

… we hold on to our possessions and go bonkers in preserving and safeguarding them!

… we seek twisted and distorted ways to acquire more wealth and capture vital status and ranks!

… we resort to disgraceful and shameful means to win over positions and powers and authority!

… we play dirty games and indulge in dreadful activities to put down people and go up in dominance!

Another aspect we see the word used in the parable – “talents”.

Usually, when we hear the word “talents” in English, we tend to think of some natural abilities, like playing the piano or being good at some sports or being skilled in painting or knowing how to handle computers etc….

In the time of Jesus, however, the ‘talent’ was referred to a huge amount of money.

One talent would represent approximately 16½ years of salary for a labourer.

>> To give a man two talents would equal around 33 years of salary….

>> To give a man five talents would be like giving him 80 years of salary to invest…

That’s indeed a huge amount, isn’t it?

(…Imagine, how rich would the Owner himself have been!)

But what was the criteria in giving different people a particular amount of money?

>> Each one according to one’s ability

And who made this determination to allocate the amount of money?

>> The Master himself, according to His wish!

Here’s another truth: God is not obligated to treat us, like he treats anyone else.

>> He can give us more or He can give us less than others.

Some have more money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships than others.

>> Others have less money and talent and opportunity and strength and health and relationships!

It’s not about being unlucky.

>> It’s not about our ill-fate.

The Master…has total sovereignty and freedom with what and how much HE wants to give to His people!

This leaves us with a choice:

We can either crib and gripe and grumble and complain about our situation and make excuses and just sit idle!

>> Or….We can accept the given situation we are in and start from where we are and do what we can… to the best!

The Dynamics of Comparison is useless…

… The Tactic of Hard Work is amazing!

The Strategy of Complaining is ineffective…

… The Scheme of Determination is superb!

The Policy of Grumpiness is futile…

… The Approach of Gratefulness is incredible!

The Parable of the Talents is a very Practical Parable that the Lord has offered us!

Yesterday is history… Tomorrow is a mystery… but Today is a GIFT!

>> That’s why, it is called as The PRESENT!

Let’s make this PRESENT a PLEASENT GIFT to the GREAT GIVER…

… by seeking His Grace and combining it with our hard works and determination!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

“Take time by the forelock” is a phrase that means ‘to act quickly and decisively” and “not let slip an opportunity”

( “Forelock” is the strand or cluster of hair, growing just above the forehead)

This phrase has an interesting origin…

A statue chiseled by Lysippus (one of the greatest sculptors of the Classical Greek Era in the 4th century BC) stood in one of the cities in Ancient Greece.

This statue…

… had wings

… a lock of hair on the forehead

… and was bald at the back of the head

Underneath this statue, was engraved the following conversation, in a question-answer format…

“Who made thee?”

>> “Lysippus made me.”

“What is thy name?”

>> “My name is Opportunity.”

“Why hast thou wings on thy feet?”

>> “That I may fly swiftly over the earth.”

“Why hast thou a forelock?”

>> “That men may seize me as I come.”

“Why art thou bald on the back of thy head?’?

>> “Because, when I am gone, none can lay hold of me.”

“Opportunity is like this bald-headed man with only a patch of hair right in front.

One has to grab that hair, grasp the opportunity while it’s being confronted…

… else, one will be grasping a slick bald head!”

Is my Christian Life characterized by an enthusiastic response to the many opportunities for blessings that God offers me…?

… or do I ‘doze off’ in lethargy and laziness, letting away many wonderful opportunities and squandering many chances of God’s abundant favours?

The Gospel of the Day presents the Parable of the Ten Virgins, with a strong warning to “make use of every opportunity that life offers” and “to be ever-prepared” in receiving the coming of the Lord.

The parable of the Ten Virgins has its setting in a Jewish Wedding.

In the time of our Blessed Lord, the wedding was probably one of the greatest events in a typical Palestinian village or an Israeli town.

This was a time of great social celebration!

All got together…

… friends, relatives, villagers..

It was a time of great festivity, abounding happiness and overflowing celebrations.

A Jewish marriage consisted of three parts or elements:

1. Engagement

>> It was sort of an official contract between the two fathers, who would be giving their son and daughter to each other.

2. Betrothal

>> This second element consisted of the friends and family members coming together and the couple making vows and promises that were binding.

This phase onwards, they would be officially considered as husband and wife.

3. Marriage

>> The time after Betrothal lasted up to a year, which was for the bridegroom to prepare a place for his bride – either an addition to his father’s house or to have his own

It was to be his concrete expression of showing his love to her – preparing a home for her and preparing his heart and life for her!

At the end of the time that he needed to get it prepared, he would go to take her and bring her to his place – and they would thereafter, live together.

This third phase, therefore was the fulfilment of the eager longing of the bridegroom and bride, in being together for the rest of their life!

The Wedding set-up that is mentioned in today’s Gospel is this scene of the third phase of the wedding.

>> This is the climax of the wedding festivity where the bridegroom goes to get his bride.

This was done in a grand procession through the village, so that all in the village could be part of this festivity.

The Ten Virgins (or bridesmaids) who are mentioned in the Gospel Passage, had the role of performing one of the acts of entertainment.

>> They would have to perform a wedding dance – “torch dance” around the bride and the groom, holding torches.

It would symbolize the light of their love, wishing them a luminous future.

Then the wedding party would go into the house, and the celebration would last for seven long days!

In the parable, it is mentioned that “since the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep” (Mt 25: 5)

It was only when the call that the Bridegroom had arrived was given, that Five of the Virgins realized, that “they brought no oil with them” (Mt 25: 3)

It’s so ironical that the wedding which was such a well-prepared and a long-awaited event, had these five virgins who were so unprepared and so unequipped for the grand moment!

The story of these five virgins who were unprepared (whom our Blessed Lord calls as ‘foolish”) could well be our own stories too..

How often are we too unprepared and unequipped….. missing out on opportunities….

… The Lord gives ample opportunities to get back our life on track, through various Biblical inspirations, talks, retreats, literatures etc.

… There are so many occasions that are provided for us to grow in our virtues, to learn deeper the mysteries of heaven and to illumine ourselves with holy knowledge

… We also get so many chances to build our relationship with one another, to grow in appreciation and praise of other and to discover and nurture the goodness in others

Do we make good use of all such opportunities or do we squander them away?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

>> Sportspersons sweat it out and slog their bodies through a strict routine…

…to achieve the best!

>> Army personnel undergo a hard grilling and a grinding through tough situations…

… to achieve the best!

>> Musicians train their voices and are even extremely cautious in avoiding bad food habits…

… to achieve the Best!

>> Scientists meticulously chalk out their experiments and are very careful in minute aspects…

… to achieve the Best!

Any profession…any activity…to achieve its goal in the best manner possible…

… requires a tough preparation, unabated determination, a constant movement and an unwavering vigilance!

>> We are all aware of these aspects with respect to professional disciplines and careers…

But why is it, that very often, such an attitude & such a principle not get applied to Spirituality or our Christian Life?!

There seems to be…

… a tendency to take our Christian Life as a routine and for granted

… a feeling to live our Spiritual Lives in relaxation and lethargy and sluggishness

… a trend to give least botheration to the aspects of God, Soul, Sin, Grace, Salvation etc

Why does Spirituality most often find the least place in our lives?

>> Why do talks of God figure so little in our daily chats?

>> Why do thoughts of Holiness be entertained least in our minds?

It’s time to wake up from our sleep…

“… know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand.”– Romans 13: 11-12a

The Gospel of the Day sends out this strong message by the Lord…

…. (to) “Stay Awake”… “and Be Alert! ” (Mt 24: 42-44)

The Gospel passage speaks of the Second Coming of the Son of Man…

No one knows the time or the hour.

>> No one knows the context or situation.

Therefore….we need to be alert and watchful at all times.

>> Any time, Any Context, Any Signs!

In verse 44, the Lord says, “You must be prepared”… or “You must be ready” or “You must be alert”.

>> When Abraham was prepared to give up his Beloved Son Isaac…

… he encountered the glory of God!

>> When Moses was ready to follow God and trust Him completely…

… he encountered the power of God!

>> When the Israelites were ready to cleanse themselves and prepare…

… they encountered the Majesty of God!

>> When the Prophets were willing to let go and abandon fully to God’s hands…

… they encountered the Voice of God!

>> When Mother Mary was consenting to God’s Will in Her life…

… she encountered the ‘Grace’fulness of God!

>> When the Apostles were eager to wait in humility and prayer….

… they encountered the Spirit of God!

When we are willing to be prepared and be ready…

… we will experience the mighty touch and presence of God!

One of the biggest reasons why a Christian fails to take one’s faith seriously is because of Procrastination…

>> We mould ourselves to thinking that there is time for all this later…

… we still have years ahead to repent and atone!

Like St Augustine before his conversion, we too often say, “Give me chastity and continence…

… but not yet!”

And this certainly is one of Satan’s most successful strategies in today’s world: To show there is still time…

>> Satan doesn’t prevent us from having thoughts of prayer…

… but he says: “not now, do it a little later.”

>> Satan doesn’t prevent us from having aspirations of fasting…

… but he says: “not now, do it a little later.”

>> Satan doesn’t prevent us from engaging in works of charity…

… but he says: “not now, do it a little later.”

And we, busy with our daily schedules…like ignorant fools…

… find that suggestion practical and feasible!

Today the Lord gets serious in His tone…and warns us ,”Watch! Be alert!”

We give the best in our workplaces… in areas of sports and music… army people & scientists slog to be the best…

>> But why are we slackening when it comes to our Faith and our Christian Life?

We invest our time and money and energy, often only for materialistic and passing things of the world!

>> But today, let us seek to invest of ourselves in service of the Kingdom and to prepare for the Lord’s coming

Our souls are searching… our bodies are agitated and distressed…

… money, positions, power, sex, drugs, alcohol, pleasures, films, criticizing others, passing judgment on others, hidden agenda etc..

>> None of these will satisfy or gratify us!

Let us seek and thirst for the the One whom our souls are searching….

In the words of St Augustine: “You have made us for yourself, O God…. and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

” I am the voice….” (Jn 1:23) .

>> This voice was powerful.

>> This voice changed many.

>> This voice was a hope to many.

This voice, however, also disturbed a few…

… disturbed even to the point of revenge and vengeance.

And……slit…..!!

>> This voice was silenced!!!

The Voice was of St John the Baptist, who was martyred for his faith and for the Truth!

The world has witnessed many murders.

>> Many murders have had dangerous ploys…inhuman strategies….and heartless planning

The Gospel of the Day also presents before us a murder…

>> One which ranks among the top-list: The Brutal Beheading of the Voice – John the Baptist!

The Beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most brutal and visually-powerful incident in the entire Gospels.

John the Baptist was a Prophet.

>> And a True Prophet is a truth-teller!

As we read in today’s Gospel, this True Prophet, John, was the whistle-blower in crying “foul” over the illegitimate relationship between Kind Herod and his brother’s wife, Herodias.

Herodias hated John the Baptist…

>> She hated him because he told the truth & she didn’t like the truth.

>> She was determined to twist the truth into a lie & the lie into a truth.

Therefore, at the earliest opportunity, Herodias sought to direct her revenge upon the truth teller!

>> She wanted to get rid of that “crazy man” who was determined to put a moral mirror in front of her face.

Herodias, wanted this Voice to be silent!!

To silence the true voices of the society, is the bane of any generation…

>> How many a “Voice-for-morality” of the Church…

… is put to silence, by modernists and liberalists

>> How many a “Voice-of-correction” of parents…

… is put to silence by disobedient children

>> How many a “Voice-for-peace” of innocent people…

… is put to silence, by fanatics and fundamentalists

How many a “Voice-for-justice” of the citizens…

… is put to silence, by a negligent government.

How many a “Voice-for-repentance” of a spouse…

… is put to silence by an irresponsible and careless partner

How many a “Voice-for-holiness” of the Lord…

… is put to silence, by superfluous spiritualties and comfy theologies

The Voice of Truth cries…

… but how many of us, seek to silence it!

Yes, the lives of Conscience-movers and truth-tellers are always at a risk.

And this risk can even lead one to be a misfit in the society…

… to be “different from others”

… to even risk one’s life!

St John the Baptist had the courage to be the truth-teller and risk his life…

… even to be a martyr!

What are the characteristics of a True Martyr?

1. Martyrs get killed not just for their convictions… but for EXPRESSING their convictions:

‘Play Safe’ is an ad-tag in which many Christians find refuge.

>> “Keep your mouth shut”

>> ” Don’t offend people around us”

>> ” It is better to be silent than sorry”

… these are some of the common phrases which we Christians adopt, in moments of injustice, corruption, inequality & unfairness!

But true Martyrs ARTICULATED and DISPLAYED and EXPRESSED and UTTERED their faith!….

>> Yes, they witness their Faith as a true martyr!

A true Martyr is a bold Witness!

St John the Baptist was not silent…he expressed and articulated the mistakes…

… and so he was martyred!

2. Martyrs don’t get swayed by popular opinions and cheap popularity

A true martyr is not one who checks the pulse of public opinion & makes a statement to “please and satisfy” people.

A Martyr has the guts…

… to go against an oppressive and discrimination culture!

… to voice out against an unjust and demeaning authority!

… to stand firm in the midst of rippled spiritualties and patterns!

St John the Baptist was unfazed and unmoved before the royal immoral powers…

… and so he was martyred!

3. Martyrs are willing and prepared to lay down their lives.

Martyrs are not escapists…who want to die to run away from the grinds of life!

Rather, they are people who are wholly prepared & enthusiastically willing to die, for the sake of their convictions!

>> They are passionate and intensely in love with their faith and their convictions!

>> They are unaffected and impassive to the dangers and risks that are involved!

St John the Baptist knew that he was walking precariously on the rope of risks…

… and he was always ready for it!

Today, You and I….are invited to be a Voice…

…in a voiceless…in a voice-oppressed…in a voice-drowned…in a voice-killed…world!

We are called to be ‘A voice of Truth’…

… “A Voice of correction”

… ” A Voice for morality”

… ” A Voice for peace”

… ” A Voice for justice”

… ” A Voice for repentance”

… ” A Voice for holiness”

St John the Baptist dared to be that VOICE – ” I am the voice….!” (Jn 1:23)

Shall we too dare?

God bless! Live Jesus!